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Enoshima facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Enoshima in the Sagami province
"Enoshima in Sagami Province" by Hokusai, around 1830

Enoshima (江の島) is a small island located in Sagami Bay, which is part of the Pacific Ocean coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island. It belongs to the city of Fujisawa in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Enoshima is quite small, covering an area of about 0.2 square kilometers (which is about 50 acres). A bridge connects it to the mainland, making it easy to visit. The island is also located right at the mouth of the Katase River.

In 1927, Enoshima was chosen as one of the "100 Landscapes of Japan." This special list highlights places that best show Japan's beauty and culture during the Shōwa period (1926-1989).

A Look Back in Time: Enoshima's History

Enoshima has a long and interesting history, with many important events happening on and around the island.

Early Records and Religious Sites

  • 1047 (Eishō 2): A Buddhist monk named Kōkei wrote a book called Enoshima Engi. This book tells the history of the important shrines found on the island.
  • 1182 (Juei 1): Minamoto no Yoritomo, a powerful leader who founded the first samurai government in Japan, gave a special statue to the Benzaiten shrine on the island. Benzaiten is a goddess of music, arts, and wisdom.
  • 1325 (Shōchū 2): The Buddhist temple called Shōjōkō-ji was built on Enoshima. It has been an important religious site for centuries.

Modern Developments and Sports

  • 1874 (Meiji 7): A British businessman named Samuel Cocking started developing beautiful botanical gardens on the island. These gardens became a popular attraction.
  • 1964 (Shōwa 39): Enoshima played a role in the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo. The sailing competitions for the Olympics took place near the island.
Panoramic view of Enoshima Island with the bridge connecting it to Katase

Images for kids

  • Ehoshima-Island-Fujisawa-Japan

    Enoshima

  • Enoshima

    Enoshima yacht harbor

  • EnoshimaAeralPhoto1988JP14

    Aerial photograph - Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and National Transport, Land Image Information (1988)

  • Fujisawa from Enoshima

    Looking towards Fujisawa from Enoshima Lighthouse

  • Mt. Fuji from Hiroyama Ｐａｒｋ (Zushi)

    Viewed from Miura Peninsula.

  • 1 Chome Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa-ken 251-0036, Japan - panoramio

    Enoshima Shrine

  • Iwaya Caves - Enoshima, Japan - DSC07913

    Iwaya Caves

  • Hiroshige Pilgrimage to the Cave Shrine of Benzaiten

    Pilgrimage to the Cave Shrine of Benzaiten by Hiroshige Ando (c. 1850)

  • Enoshima by Takahashi Yuichi (MOMA Kamakura and Hayama)

    Enoshima by Yuichi Takahashi. Between 1876 and 77.

  • Kusakabe Kimbei 1016 Enoshima

    Photograph by Kimbei Kusakabe. 1890s.

  • Lucky Gods' visit to Enoshima

    Lucky Gods' visit to Enoshima (1869)

  • 19 - The Seven Ri Beach

    The Seven Ri Beach

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Enoshima para niños

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Enoshima Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.